Despite its historically dim view of such applications, Comcast has announced its investment in the hybrid P2P/CDN provider GridNetworks. GridNetworks is a provider of HD quality programming over the internet via its GridCast peer-to-peer technology. Prior to this announcement, GridNetworks also revealed that Cisco was part of the $9.5 million Series A funding secured last October. These combined deals allow GridNetworks to advantageously position itself in the internet TV market.

This deal comes months after Comcast revealed that it is actively curtailing P2P traffic across its network. Tony Werner, Comcast CTO, stated in the release that they are “interested in the application of P2P concepts in a manner that puts the quality of the consumer experience first, and enables lawful distribution of copyrighted content while also efficiently utilizing the network.”

This just seems to be a blatant example of an ISP deciding what company provides the “best” kind of peer-to-peer content. They actively block or hamper traffic from other clients, but allow GridNetworks traffic because of their business deal. If this truly is the most efficient quality content then let the customers decide without creating artificial barriers.